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DAC-AH - upgrade to Audio Mirror?

I'm using a DAC-AH with a Squeezebox (Placette pre, TAD-60 & Gallo 3s). It has a smooth, non-grainy sound but it seems congested and rhythmically blunt. I was wondering if the Audio Mirror DAC would be much of an upgrade, considering (if I'm not mistaken) that they share the same circuit board. (I have a Cary 306/200 but I don't expect the Audio Mirror to better the internal DAC -but one never knows)

Thanks.
holderlin

Showing 2 responses by bombaywalla

bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
Holderlin/Bob,

How did you determine conclusively that it is your DAC-AH that is at fault (for the bluntness & lack of rhythm)?
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,958 posts
 
Holderlin/Bob,
you didn't give any other info re. the squeezebox other than you are using it to play MP3 files. I'm *assuming* that the bluntness & lack of rhythm is when you play MP3 files from the Squeezebox.
Well, you are aware that MP3 is a lossy file compression format, correct? when you compress your music files to MP3 you are going to lose a lot of info. Does the MP3 format give you an bit rate option? If so, did you select the highest bit rate allowed?
If not, then I have a feeling that you have a system that is able to inform you that the MP3 format has lost much/some info in your music files.
The Cary plays redbook CDs that are in .wav format, a lossless format.
If the Squeezebox allows some other lossless format, you can try that.
IMHO. FWIW.
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